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Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charleston | Georgia Miller Latremouille
Mothers of the bride and groom play important roles in every wedding celebration. But since they’re not necessarily a part of the wedding party, they don’t need to carry a wedding bouquet down the aisle.
However, they need something that makes them stand out from the other guests. Most couples honor their moms with a wedding corsage to show they’re a big part of such a special day.
But if you’re looking for a cool, modern way to make your mom stand out at your wedding without a corsage, there are other options!
Below are 15 gorgeous mother of the groom and mother of the bride corsage alternatives. We’ve also included some fresh takes on the traditional fresh flower wrist wrap.
Mother of the Bride Corsage Alternatives
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charleston | Jordan Lee
Nothing is wrong with a pretty flower arrangement on a stretchy wristband, but it’s not exactly a “new” concept. Mothers of the bride and groom have been wearing wrist corsages forever.
These gorgeous alternatives are the perfect way to make mom feel special in a one-of-a-kind way:
Floral Necklace
Source: Native Poppy
If flowers can be attached to a wristband and worn as a bracelet, why not mix it up and add them to a necklace instead?
Whether you’re getting married in the city or having a rustic wedding on a farm, there are endless ways to incorporate small flowers into a delicate necklace to make mom stand out.
Having a tropical wedding? This one’s a no-brainer:
Give mom a Hawaiian-inspired lei!
Floral Hair Accessory
Source: Bride and Blossom
For the mom planning to wear her hair pulled back or pulled up on one side, a floral hair clip may be just what she needs.
You can buy a few sturdy, functional hair clips and give them to your florist to decorate with the same flowers or greenery in your bridal bouquet.
Nosegay Bouquet
Source: A Garden Party
A nosegay bouquet is a perfect way for mom to carry flowers down the aisle without holding the same bouquet as the bridesmaids. This small, delicate bouquet of floral stems — often bound with a ribbon — is all you need to make mom feel like an integral part of your big day.
Tussie Mussie
Source: Southern Graces
It’s kind of fun to say “tussie mussie,” isn’t it?
A tussie mussie (or tussy mussy) is similar to a nosegay bouquet in that it’s a petite, delicate floral arrangement. The only difference is that a tussy mussy includes a slim metal holder, so mom doesn’t have to hold the actual stems.
Small Boutonniere
Source: Martha Stewart
Boutonnieres aren’t just for the groomsmen. In fact, a small boutonniere is perfect for any mother of the groom or bride.
Boutonnieres can be one single flower or a large cluster of flowers (depending on mom’s style).
She can pin the flower on if she has a sturdy, woven fabric dress. If she’s wearing a lightweight dress made from chiffon or crepe, she can use mini-magnets to hold the flowers in place. That way, she won’t have to worry about damaging her delicate dress.
Floral Hoop
Source: Beckwourth Blooms
Perfect for a boho wedding, a simple wooden hoop embellished with flowers or greenery can make a big statement coming down the aisle. (Especially if mom's the one carrying it!)
It’s super easy to make this DIY wedding corsage out of silk flowers, and mom can have it as a keepsake when the wedding is over.
Floral Spray for a Clutch Bag
Source: Botanical Brouhaha
Is mom planning to carry a wristlet clutch bag or a chic little minaudière?
Instead of the traditional flower corsage, have your florist create a floral spray to attach to her bag. Some people find traditional corsages to be a little itchy!
Embellished Brooch
Source: Etsy
No one says the mothers of the bride and groom have to wear a floral corsage. If your mommas are more into bling and glitz, present them with an embellished brooch instead.
Give her a crystal or rhinestone brooch with a floral motif, and she’ll be able to wear it on special occasions for years to come.
Skip the Corsage Altogether!
The first rule of wedding planning is that it’s your day, and you can do whatever you want. And if that means skipping the corsage altogether, then so be it.
View our entire collection of mother of the occasion dresses.
Some More Traditional Mother of the Bride Corsages That We Love
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charleston | Jacqueline Clark
Do you want to maintain tradition yet put a slightly modern spin on mom’s wedding day ensemble?
Then these gorgeous corsage ideas may be exactly what you’re looking for:
Corsage Bracelet
Source: JJ’s House
Technically, all corsages are bracelets. But if you want to find the perfect balance between classic tradition and fashion-forward style, consider attaching fresh flowers to an actual bracelet rather than a stretchy wristband.
To make this DIY project as simple as possible, look for a bracelet with a flexible rubber mount. That will make attaching flowers, greenery, and other embellishments super easy.
Ring Corsage
Source: Breezy Hill Blooms
Nothing says feminine and chic like a ring made of fresh flowers. If mom wants something truly one-of-a-kind, have your florist make a small corsage that she can wear right on her finger.
Feather Corsage or Boutonniere
Source: Etsy
Feathers are a fun and playful alternative to flowers. Consider adorning a simple wristband with feathers instead of fresh blooms if you want a simple wristband.
If your wedding happens to have a vintage 1920s theme or a laid-back boho vibe, feathers are the perfect fit.
Pearl Bracelet with Flowers
Source: Etsy
A multi-strand pearl bracelet is chic and elegant on its own. But weave some flowers or ribbons through it, and you’ve got something really special.
Coordinate it with her dress or your wedding flowers — the choice is yours.
Floral Cuff
Source: Flowersmith
A metal cuff bracelet is the way to go for the mom wearing an understated, casual, or boho look. You can decorate it with a single hydrangea or calla lily in the center, wrap the whole cuff in silk flowers, or add dried flowers for a more rustic look.
You can even skip the flowers altogether and decorate it with succulents instead.
Make a Classic Corsage Look New
Source: Etsy
Some brides and grooms are big on tradition. So, if you want your mothers to wear classic wrist corsages, go for it.
Ask your florist to incorporate pearls or rhinestones for extra glitz to give a classic corsage a fresher, more modern look.
Related: Mother of the Bride Dress Etiquette
Presenting your mother with a corsage on your wedding day is a simple yet sweet way to show her how much you love her and how thrilled you are that she’s a part of your special day.
The day might be all about you and your spouse-to-be, but every day of the year, even your wedding day, is a good day to honor your mom (or future mother-in-law!).
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